Toprol XL is useful in the treatment of high blood pressure. It can be used alone or even with certain other medicines. This way Toprol XL can also be used as a long-term treatment for chest pain and can also help reduce the danger of death because of the heart problems in patients who already have had a heart attack. It can also be made useful in certain other conditions as and when determined by your medical practitioner.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Toprol XL with a meal to avoid an upset stomach or without one.

Please drink a full glass of water with Toprol XL.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor. Also keep a regular check on your blood pressure.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Toprol XL being a beta-adrenergic blocking agent reduces the certain amount of work done by the heart and also reduces chest pain. It also seeks to reduce the amount of blood pumped out by the heart pumps out and thus helps in lowering high blood pressure. It can also used for stabilizing the heart rhythm in circumstances in which the heart tends to beat too fast or even at an irregular rhythm.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Toprol XL at room temperature preferably between 15 to 30 degrees C. Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Toprol XL if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like very slow heart rate, suffered from a heart failure which is controlled by diuretics and digoxin, or even a low systolic blood pressure, and even if you are into Mibefradil.

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.

Your condition might be monitored or the dosage might be modified to suit you if you have conditions like angina or chest pain and heart problems. Make sure you get your blood pressure and heart rate regularly without any fail.

Toprol XL may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Toprol XL. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Diabetes patients must keep a regular check on their blood sugar levels as Toprol XL can affect it. Special care and caution must be taken of children who are taking the dosage.

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Toprol XL. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Toprol XL before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.

Pregnancy Info

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Toprol XL to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Toprol XL as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.